photo by Samantha Crooke
Fancy dresses. Cake. Music. Hopefully a champagne toast or two. Two people totally in love. That's what weddings are all about. Well… all that good, fun stuff and the pretty big price tag that comes with it. Sadly, most couples have to sacrifice some of their wedding wishes in the name of budgeting along the way. That's exactly why some of the area’s top wedding vendors have teamed up to offer Pensacola’s June 14, 2012
second annual Blockparty Wedding, which will be held on Gallery Night on Friday, Sept. 14. One lucky couple will receive the grand prize of a free wedding—including just about everything from invitations to flowers to a private reception on The Deck at The Fish House. All of Pensacola is invited to celebrate alongside the couple as they exchange vows
against the backdrop of Garden Street and Palafox. We’ve narrowed the field down to 9 (the tenth and final couple will be revealed at pensacolablockparty.com), but the winning couple still needs to be decided and that's where you come in. Your votes will decide the lucky couple, so read up, pick your favorite pair and go vote. {in} 9
used to play all the time, but not anymore because he never wins.
If you had to have a themed wedding, what would you pick? Arienne: Crawfish or western theme.
If you had to have a themed wedding, what would you pick? Heidi Jo: Star Wars. He’s my Hans Solo.
What's the one thing you absolutely don't want at your wedding or reception? Arienne: Cake in the face? Not so much. Christopher: No “Cha Cha Slide” or the “Macarena.” Arienne: I like the “Macarena.”
What's the one thing you absolutely don't want at your wedding or reception? Heidi Jo: No chicken dance, no “Cupid Shuffle” and no cake on my face!
What's the one thing your wedding absolutely must have? Christopher: Open bar for sure. Arienne: Live music and it has to be outside.
Arienne Ates and Chris Eubanks at A Dainty Social. Cupcakes by Artfully Delicious, Flowergirl dress by Amber Amadi Designs. / photo by Mirabel Photography
Christopher Eubanks and Arienne Ates Age: Christopher: 26 Arienne: 25 Day Job: Christopher: Mobile automotive
paint repair Arienne: Nail Tech at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa Pensacola Resident Since: Christopher: 2007 Arienne: Whole life Dating Since: December 2010 Who proposed to who? Christopher proposed.
How did he do it? Christopher: We were just sitting on the couch. It was a typical Tuesday night. Arienne: He had the ring on his finger the whole time and then he told me to close my eyes. I thought he was going to put our dog’s paw in my hand, but I felt the cold metal on my finger. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Christopher: She kissed me first. I was asleep. (Both laugh) Name two things you agree on. Christopher: Everything. Arienne: Food! Name two you disagree on. Christopher: Scheduling and planning things. Arienne: He doesn’t pull his belts out of his pants when he puts them in the hamper. And he doesn’t push that chair back into the dining table. Christopher: She doesn’t wash dishes. 010 1
What's the one thing your wedding absolutely must have? Heidi Jo: I’m Asian, so I really want karaoke. (Laughs) We have to have it.
What's more important to you, the ceremony or the reception? Christopher: The reception. That’s where all the fun is at. At the ceremony, you’re nervous.
What will your first dance song be? Arienne: I was thinking “Stanky Leg,” that’s the first song I saw Chris dance to. Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/ariennezadie and facebook.com/chris.eubanks.10
Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? Christopher: We both like Southern Comfort. Arienne: Fish House punch. Christopher: Miller Lite, Bud Light and Yuengling. If you could have any band/musician/dj or pop star in the world (dead or alive) who would be? Arienne: ZZ Top might be fun. Christopher: I might have a beard grown by then. Why do you deserve a free wedding? Arienne: Instead of the tradition where the bride’s parents pay for the wedding, I’ll be paying for the wedding with Chris’ help. It would lift a heavy burden. How are you going to campaign and get out the vote? Christopher: Interact with friends, network. We’re not going to go out door-to-door like politicians. If you don't win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Christopher: Spring 2014. Arienne: Maybe 2015. Have you ever won anything else exciting before? Christopher: We go to the casino and every now and then and play the lottery once a month, but we win nothing.
What will your first dance song be? Jeff: “Crash” by Dave Matthews Band
Heidi Jo Medina and Jeff Tyler / courtesy photo
Jeff Tyler and Heidi Jo Medina Age: Jeff: 25 Heidi Jo: 24 Day Job: Jeff: Assistant Manager at
Pinch-a-Penny Heidi Jo: Full-time nanny, coach at Pensacola High School and freelance model. Pensacola Resident Since: Jeff: 2006 Heidi Jo: 2004 Dating Since: August 21, 2008 Who proposed to who? Jeff popped the question. How did he do it? Jeff: I proposed on a cruise three years ago. Heidi Jo: We’re actually on our way to a cruise now. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Jeff: I kissed her first.
com/heidijo.medina
Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? Twitter: @heyheidijo and facebook.
Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? Heidi Jo: I know this! Landshark or Crown and coke. Jeff: Vodka and cranberry. If you could have any band/musician/dj or pop star in the world (dead or alive) who would be? Jeff: Bassnectar Heidi Jo: The Beatles Why do you deserve a free wedding? Heidi Jo: We reflect Pensacola. We’ve had to wait so long. It’s frustrating to see people getting married and asking us “Are ya’ll ever going to get married?” Now, we finally have the chance to do it. How are you going to campaign and get out the vote? Heidi Jo: We’ll probably send our love story to everyone we know. I’m not going to go up to random people.
Name two you disagree on. Heidi Jo: (laughs) Only two things? Closet space and how many times I should go shopping.
If you don't win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Where? Heidi Jo: We’re hoping to do it sometime in 2013. Probably Seville Quarter, since that’s where we met. We’re more courtyard at Apple Annie’s than Heritage Hall.
If your relationship was a board game— which one would be it? Who would win? Heidi Jo: Scrabble! I always win. We
Have you ever won anything else exciting before? Heidi Jo: No, except for pageants.
Name two things you agree on. Heidi Jo: Politics and our futures.
inweekly.net
If your relationship was a board game— which one would be it? Who would win? Nicole: Twister! And I would win because I’m flexible. (Laughs) If you had to have a themed wedding, what would you pick? Nicole: College football. I’m an Auburn fan and he’s Florida State. What's the one thing you absolutely don't want at your wedding or reception? Andrew: No cheap beer or cheap vodka. What's the one thing your wedding absolutely must have? Andrew: (Motions to Nicole) Her. Or I’ll marry myself. That’s no problem. Nicole: My dogs at the ceremony.
Nicole Murphy and Andrew Hobbs at SKIN Beauty Boutique / photo by Mirabel Photography
Andrew Hobbs and Nicole Murphy Age: Andrew: 33 Nicole: 29 Day Job: Andrew: Sergeant at Escambia
County Sheriff’s Department Nicole: Judicial Specialist at Ernie Lee Magaha Clerk’s Office Pensacola Resident Since: Andrew: 1979, my year of birth. Nicole: 1993 Dating Since: Nicole: We’ve known each other for eight years and have been dating for over a year. Who proposed to who? Andrew proposed. How did he do it? Nicole: He put it on a cake, because I love cake! My whole family and Andrew’s mom were there. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Andrew: She kissed me. Nicole: It was in front of Hub Stacey’s. Name two things you agree on. Nicole: Politics and we’re foodies. Name two you disagree on. Andrew: I like Chicago-style pizza and she doesn’t. We also have different tastes in clothing and furniture. June 14, 2012
What's more important to you— the ceremony or the reception? Nicole: The ceremony. Andrew: I was going to say reception.
What will your first dance song be? Nicole: “Your Everything,” by Keith Urban. Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/andrew.hobbs.16 and facebook.com/Nikoalla Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? Nicole: He’s drinking Crown Black and diet coke. Andrew: She’s drinking PBR. Now you know why I said ‘No cheap beer.’ If you could have any band/musician/dj or pop star in the world (dead or alive) who would be? Nicole: Journey! Andrew: Zac Brown Band.
Lyndsie Kirk and Duane Jackson enjoying Gulf Coast Pedicabs / photo by Mirabel Photography
Duane Jackson and Lyndsie Kirk
his shirt to a Superman shirt. I would like a “Secret Garden” wedding. I love flowers. Duane: I’m not really that nerdy. In reality I would like something along the lines of Roman architecture.
Age: Duane: 27 Lyndsie: 29 Day Job: Duane: 100 percent disabled
What's the one thing you absolutely don't want at your wedding or reception? Lyndsie: Domino’s Pizza. Duane: Papa John’s? Homemade pizza?
veteran and stay at home dad Lyndsie: Secretary at Sacred Heart Medical Center OB/GYN clinic Pensacola Resident Since: Both: 2011 Dating Since: Lyndsie: Met 12 years ago, but have been officially dating for two years. Who proposed to who? Duane proposed. How did he do it? Duane: In the gazebo in downtown Milton after we took a walk along the boardwalk. Lyndsie: I almost kicked the ring out of his hand – I would’ve dived in and got it. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Lyndsie: It was mutual. It was a very slow hug to kiss. Name two things you agree on. Lyndsie: Video games, we just went through “Left 4 Dead” and food.
Why do you deserve a free wedding? Andrew: Because it would be a lot of fun and something everyone in Escambia County would enjoy. And we’re working our butts off to pay for our wedding.
Name two you disagree on. Lyndsie: Driving. He watches me and leans over. Duane: I don’t lean over. I didn’t know you noticed. I thought I was like James Bond. Lyndsie: I let you think you’re James Bond, baby. And time management. Duane: It depends on the situation. Lyndsie: Every situation.
If you don't win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Where? Andrew: October 13, 2012 at 5eleven, but we can cancel it. (Laughs)
If your relationship was a board game— which one would be it? Who would win? Lyndsie: Candyland. Duane would win because he likes to take short cuts and cheat!
Have you ever won anything else exciting before? Nicole: We won a pet photography session at Gallery Night from Allison Shamrell. Andrew: To be in the Top 10, I feel like a winner already.
If you had to have a themed wedding, what would you pick? Duane: Superman, Captain America. Lyndsie: His wants the Superman theme song to play when we walk into the reception and then rip open
What's the one thing your wedding absolutely must have? Duane: Macaroni and cheese. Lyndsie: I was going to say you, but now I want mac and cheese more. What will your first dance song be? Lyndsie: “Love You to the End” Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/lyndz.kirk and facebook.com/duane.jackson.549 Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? Lyndsie: Captain Morgan and Mountain Dew or any other spiced rum. Duane: She likes SKYY vodka and whipped cream. If you could have any band/musician/dj or pop star in the world (dead or alive) who would be? Lyndsie: Frank Sinatra Why do you deserve a free wedding? Lyndsie: I don’t think I necessarily deserve it. I think he deserves it for what he’s done for this country. He is the most giving, loving person. I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I do without him. Duane: I was actually going to say the same thing. She’s been there for every physical rehabilitation visit. (To Lyndsie) You’ve given me everything I need. If you don't win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Lyndsie: October, 27, 2012 on the pier, where we first realized we loved each other. Have you ever won anything else exciting before? Lyndsie: No, but Duane got a scratch-off for $5 once. (Laughs) 11
Twister, because everything we do works around each other. If you had to have a themed wedding, what theme would you pick? An enchanted garden theme. What’s the one thing you absolutely don’t want at your wedding or reception? Dan: A bad DJ. What’s the one thing you absolutely must have at your wedding? Amanda: All of the special people in our lives. We have a guest list we’re really looking forward to. Veralyn Montemayor and Drew Hardgrave in Ferdinand Plaza. Table, chairs and props by Hemstitch Vintage Rental, Flowers by Eufloria. / photo by Mirabel Photography
Drew Hardgrave and Veralyn Montemayor
What’s the one you absolutely don’t want at your wedding or reception? Veralyn: No koozies. Drew: But why? Isn’t it to have and to hold, and keep your brew cold? (He laughs)
Age: Drew: 29 Veralyn: 34 Day Job: Drew: Fischer and Brown Insur-
What’s one thing you absolutely must have at your wedding? Both: Wine. Drew: And music. Veralyn: Our family.
ance Veralyn: Brooks Orthodontics. Resident Since: Drew: 5 years Veralyn: 32 years Dating Since: 2009 Who proposed to who? Veralyn: He proposed. How did he do it? Drew: My parents own an engraving shop, so I had them engrave a bottle of our favorite kind of wine with a big, fancy V and ‘Will you marry me?’ I brought the bottle to Global Grill—Veralyn: Our favorite restaurant. Drew: Yeah, I had our waiter suggest a ‘wine special’ and he brought out the bottle. I was supposed to be smooth and get down on one knee to propose, but I struggled with the ring and squeaked out the question. Veralyn: He was speechless, which never happens. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Veralyn: We kind of kissed each other. Name two things you agree on. Veralyn: We both love adventure. Drew: We both love to kayak and be outdoors. Veralyn: Oh, and food! We love food. Name two things you disagree on. Veralyn: Drew loves football, but I don’t. He’s a whole different person football season. Drew: I don’t like potatoes. But I do like anchovies. If your relationship was a board game, which one would it be? Drew: Chance, because we met on a blind date. If you had to have a themed wedding, what theme would you pick? Veralyn: A peacock theme! 212 1
What is more important to you—the ceremony or the reception? Veralyn: I want both to be very good. Drew: The reception. Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/drew.hardgrave and facebook.com/veralyn.montemayor Let's say you're at an open bar wedding— what's she drinking? And him? Veralyn: A vodka tonic. Drew: Malibu and pineapple. If you could have any band/musician/DJ/ pop star in the world (alive or dead) play your wedding, who would it be? Drew: Stevie Ray Vaughn. Veralyn: Or John Mayer. Why do you deserve a free wedding? Drew: We love downtown. We love Pensacola and all the culture. Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen such growth. We love being a part of that and supporting local business. We very rarely miss a Gallery Night. How are you going to campaign and get out the vote? Veralyn: We’ll use Facebook and ask at work. We’ll get our friends to vote. Drew: Maybe we can make t-shirts and wear them around. If you don’t win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Drew: October 12, 2013. Veralyn: At Old Christ Church, 5eleven would be our venue. Have you ever won anything else exciting like this before? Drew: We won tickets to the wine festival once. Veralyn: I won that gift certificate to Dharma Blue. Drew: Oh, do you have that with you? Let’s go to dinner.
What is more important to you—the ceremony or the reception? Daniel: The reception. Amanda: We want a short ceremony with a kickin’ reception.
Amanda Lord and Daniel Harmon on the DareII with Condor Sailing Adventures. / photo by Mirabel Photography
Daniel Harmon and Amanda Lord Age: Amanda: 29 Daniel: 22 Day Job: Amanda: Anchor Clinic Daniel:
Lowe’s. Both are full-time students at UWF.
Resident Since: Amanda: 1980 Daniel: I
was born here but moved with my Navy father for 20 years and have been back since 2010. Dating Since: 2010 Who proposed to who? Amanda: Dan proposed to me.
How did he do it? Amanda: He took me to the beach and we drank wine as the sun set. When he pulled out the ring, I threw it down and hugged him. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Daniel: She kissed me. Name two things you agree on. Amanda: We both like to spend our summers seeing bands on tour and spending our weekends on Pensacola Beach. Name two things you disagree on. Amanda: Having our dog in the bed. Dan likes it. We have a giant pit bull. Daniel: She likes pineapple on her pizza and I hate it. If your relationship was a board game, which one would it be? Amanda:
What will your first dance song be? Amanda: ‘I Love You More than You’ll Ever Know’ by Gary Moore.
Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/ taraamanda.lord and facebook.com/ dantheman0408 Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? Amanda: Dan drinks Jack Daniels honey and ginger. Daniel: Cherry vodka and Sprite. If you could have any band/musician/ DJ/pop star in the world (alive or dead) play your wedding, who would it be? Both: Pink Floyd. Why do you deserve a free wedding? Amanda: Because we’re happy and in love. (Both laugh) We feel like it’s our year. Daniel: We’re students, so it’s hard to save for a wedding. How are you going to campaign and get out the vote? Amanda: We’re going to get people to vote at Dan’s birthday party. Daniel: We have a big family so I know we can get them to vote for us. Amanda: And Dan has a cousin that works at Revolver, so we’re going to try to get him involved. If you don’t win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Amanda: As soon as we graduate, so probably 2014. Have you ever won anything else exciting like this before? (Both laugh) Amanda: No, never. We don’t have the best of luck. inweekly.net
If your relationship was a board game, which one would it be? Sarah: Scrabble, because we build off of each other. Corey: Well that’s boring, why not Battleship? (He laughs) If you had to have a themed wedding, what theme would you pick? Sarah: Maybe sports themed? Corey: Yeah, you could wear a cheerleading costume. What’s the one you absolutely don’t want at your wedding or reception? Sarah: I just tried baba ghanoush for the first time and I hated it. No baba ghanoush.
Katie Helpman and Vagner Cascaes at Salon Allure in Gulf Breeze / photo by Mirabel Photography
Vagner Cascaes and Katie Helpman Age: Vagner: 32 Katie: 25 Day Job: Vagner: Bartender at LiVE Nite-
Club Katie: Bartender at The Fish House Pensacola Resident Since: Vagner: 2009 Katie: Lifetime resident Dating Since: 2010 Who proposed to who? Katie: I proposed. We had already been talking about getting married. How did she do it? Last September at my best friend’s wedding. No date set, we didn’t want the pressure of planning and friends and family asking about it. About your first kiss—who kissed who? Katie: He did, at the The Jellyfish Bar. We were closing together and he walked me to my car. It was raining. Vagner: It’s a good memory. Name two things you agree on. Katie: Cooking. We fight over who gets to cook dinner. Vagner: I’ve gained 50 pounds since I met her! Our tastes our very similar and the way we see things. Katie: And we both believe in aliens! Name two you disagree on. Vagner: Taking pictures. Katie: He doesn’t like big crowds and clubs. He’d rather barbeque at home. He doesn’t like the sand at the beach, he’d rather go on the boat. If your relationship was a board game, which one would be it? Who would win? Vagner: I’d win. Katie: You didn’t even pick a game! If you had to have a themed wedding, what would you pick? Both: A beach-y wedding. What's the one thing you absolutely don't want at your wedding or recepJune 14, 2012
tion? Vagner: Drama What's the one thing your wedding absolutely must have? Vagner: Jäger. Am I wrong? What's more important to you, the ceremony or the reception? Both: Reception! Vagner: All of your friends together. It’s the actual celebration of the marriage. What will your first dance song be? Katie: Our song is “Let’s Get it on,” by Marvin Gaye. That’s how he seduced me. (Vagner laughs) Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/vagner.cascaes and facebook.com/katiehelpman Let's say you're at an open bar wedding, what's she drinking? And him? Vagner: Only two things. Vodka and cranberry or a martini. Katie: Scotch, beer and Jäger. If you could have any band/musician/dj or pop star in the world (dead or alive) who would be? Vagner: B.B. King Katie: Black Eyed Peas. Vagner: Black Eyed Peas would fit the wedding better, B.B. can play at my barbeque. Why do you deserve a free wedding? Vagner: To tell you the truth, it’s all financial. Katie: We both want to get married and we want to have a celebration for our friends. We pretty much are married. We just want the celebration to make it official. If you don't win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Vagner: September 2012 Katie: We’ve been talking about it for a while, and now that we signed up for Blockparty Wedding, we are going to make sure it’s official by 2012. Even if we have to go down to the courthouse. Have you ever won anything else exciting before? Katie: Never been a lucky winner.
What’s one thing you absolutely must have at your wedding? Corey: A live band is a must. Sarah Slomski and Corey Coats at Sassafras Stationary and Gifts. / photo by Mirabel Photography
Corey Coates and Sarah Slomski Age: Corey: 30 Sarah: 25 Day Job: Sarah: personnel psychologist for the Navy Corey: student at UWF
Resident Since: Both: 2009 Dating Since: 2008
Who proposed to who? Sarah: He proposed to me. How did he do it? Sarah: He surprised me at home one night. Corey: I don’t surprise her very often. I skipped my night class the day after Valentine’s Day and moved my car so Sarah wouldn’t know I had skipped. I made a runway of candles to the bedroom, where I waited with our song (‘Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon) playing in the background. It was three years exactly after our first date. Name two things you agree on. Sarah: We both would rather spend money on adventures than material things. Corey: Yeah, we just recently went backpacking. Sarah: And our families, up in Wisconsin, are very important to us. Name two things you disagree on. Sarah: Corey doesn’t mind large crowds. Corey: Yeah, Sarah is more quiet. Sarah: Corey is more of a cat person, I like dogs. Corey: But I like dogs, I don’t want to go on record as not liking dogs! (They laugh)
What is more important to you—the ceremony or the reception? Corey: The reception. Sarah: The ceremony. We can have a party at any point. What will your first dance song be? Both: ‘Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon
Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/sarah.a.slomski and facebook.com/cornelius.jackets Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? Sarah: A good beer. Corey: A martini – one that doesn’t taste like alcohol. If you could have any band/musician/ DJ/pop star in the world (alive or dead) play your wedding, who would it be? Corey: Kings of Leon. But we liked them before they were cool. Why do you deserve a free wedding? Corey: Pensacola is very important to us as a couple, but our families would not be able to afford to come down. Sarah: With the resources we’d save, they could be here for our wedding. How are you going to campaign and get out the vote? Corey: I’ll be doing a lot of marketing, I’m sure. If you don’t win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? Corey: We’ll have a ceremony this year in Pensacola, with a reception back home in Wisconsin next summer for our family. Have you ever won anything else exciting like this before? Sarah: No, we’re not big on sweepstakes usually. 13
actually going to make a stop motion video of the game for our wedding invitation.
Climb 177 steps to the top of the historic tower for the most beautiful view of the bay and the gulf or stroll down our nature walk to the sound-side beach. Visit the museum and gift shop housed inside the 1869 Keepers’ Quarters.
If you had to have a themed wedding, what theme would you pick? I would pick country vintage. What’s the one thing you absolutely don’t want at your wedding or reception? I can’t stand the “Cupid Shuffle.”
June Events Light of the Moon: June 8,15,22,29 Ghost Hunt: June 9,16,23,30 Blue Angels Practice: June 12,13,19,20,26,27 Special event pricing & reservations:
What’s one thing you absolutely must have at your wedding? Definitely a s’mores bar!
www.LighthouseReservations.org
Hours: Mon-Sat.10:00am-5:30pm • Sun.12noon-5:30 Tickets: Adults:$5 • Children, Seniors & Active Military:$3 Location: On Pensacola NAS across from the Naval Museum
What is more important to you— the ceremony or the reception? The ceremony.
For more information or to schedule a tour: 850.393.1561
THE BEST SUNSETS ON THE BAYFRONT!
Bekah Griffith and Thomas Muldowney in Downtown Pensacola / photo by Mirabel Photography
Tom Muldowney and Bekah Griffith Age: Both: 26 Day Job: Bekah: Server at Jerry’s Cajun
Café and an aspiring photographer. Tom: Film editor. Resident Since: 1994 Tom: Lives in England Dating Since: October 13, 2009 Tom was out of the country for their interview, so all questions were answered by Bekah. Who proposed to who? He proposed to me.
850-432-5226 • 997 PALAFOX ST.
How did he do it? While we were teaching in South Korea, he proposed to me in tallest building in Seoul. About your first kiss—who kissed who? We kissed each other while we were out at a club in South Korea. Name two things you agree on. We always get candy bars when we’re out shopping. We also always agree on TV shows.
JACOSBAYFRONTBARANDGRILLE.COM
7 DAYS A WEEK, INCLUDING SUNDAY BRUNCH 414 1
Name two things you disagree on. We can disagree on food. I’m a vegetarian but Tom eats meat. Tom also likes nerdy superhero movies, but I just can’t get into them. If your relationship was a board game, which one would it be? Life. We were
What will your first dance song be? “Strangers” by the Kinks. That’s our song.
Do you have a Twitter or Facebook page? facebook.com/bekah.griffith.1 and facebook.com/Mullers.1 Let's say you're at an open bar wedding—what's she drinking? And him? He’d drink Strongbow, a cider. What would you be drinking? I’ll drink anything, I’m not picky. If you could have any band/musician/ DJ/pop star in the world (alive or dead) play your wedding, who would it be? Frank Turner, he’s a British songwriter. We’ve actually been to see him in concert. Why do you deserve a free wedding? Because we’re really poor. (She laughs) But really, it would relieve stress and lessens the expenses. Visas are expensive. How are you going to campaign and get out the vote? I was thinking about making flyers or business cards. I’m also part of an advice forum online for people trying to move to Europe, so I would ask that community to help us. I might even buy a Facebook ad. If you don’t win the free wedding, when will you tie the knot? October 13, 2012, on our 3 year anniversary, in Florala, Ala. Have you ever won anything else exciting like this before? We once won a pound (Roughly $1.50) on a scratch ticket once. People are crazy about gambling in the UK. inweekly.net
And They Lived Happily Ever After… By Jennie McKeon
also posted daily updates on Facebook and own,” Nicole said. “We were able to work Nicole and Chad Parker almost didn’t asked friends to share their story. with such amazing people who helped creregister for the Pensacola Blockparty “I became votezilla,” she joked. “I ate, ate a wedding tailored to our style.” Wedding. slept and breathed votes.” Since last year was a first for the PenAfter friends mentioned it to the couple, wAs determined as they were, Nicole sacola Blockparty Wedding, Nicole and Nicole sat down and wrote her and Chad’s and Chad knew that they would get marChad didn’t know what to expect. love story on a rainy Sunday evening. ried no matter what. Their advice to the “We had no idea how it was going to “I wrote our story and finally submitted turn out,” Nicole said. “It it a few hours before was more than we imagdeadline,” Nicole said. ined. The day was perfect “The next few weeks and we could not have began a whirlwind.” asked for more.” Only a couple days They were also slightly after the registration apprehensive about getclosed, while Chad and ting married on one of the Nicole were entertainbusiest nights on Palafox. ing family, they unex“We had a wonderful pectedly received a ceremony, and you forget call notifying them that that there are so many they were finalists. people there watching “I joked with my you,” Nicole said. “When sister that she was I walked down the aisle over for our celebrawith my dad—something tion of being selected all little girls dream about as a finalist,” Nicole and something I was not said. “I was completesure would happen after my ly joking.” dad’s motorcycle accident— The joke turned Chad and Nicole Parker, winners of Pensacola Block Party Wedding 2011 / photo by there was only my dad and out to be true and documented photography Chad at that moment.” the very next day, After the campaignthe couple had their 2012 finalists is to have fun and relax. ing and the wedding comes the best part: photos taken and a few days later the top “The most important thing is that you marriage. Nicole and Chad have been to10 were announced at the Fish House. have fun and don’t forget that it really is gether a total of 14 years and have enjoyed “The two weeks of voting time were about starting a life with the person you the married life for the past eight months. crazy and unbelievably busy and exhaustlove,” Nicole said. “Once we placed the rings on each ing,” Nicole said. “When voting ended we Once Nicole and Chad won, the other during the ceremony our lives had to wait about a week to find out the couple not only got to write a new chapter changes. We were forever connected,” results. When the winner was announced to their love story, but they won a free Nicole said. “ The past eight months we were both in disbelief.” wedding worth thousands of dollars. have been wonderful and we can not To win the votes, Nicole and Chad cam“I am not sure if we would have been wait to see what the future holds for us paigned to friends and family, “and anyone able to pull off a wedding like that on our and our family.” {in} who would listen to us,” Nicole said. They
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Vote here: pensacolablockparty wedding.com | Voting closes June 27 at midnight
Tri sailing in a dress!
Skip the ordinary and say “I do” aboard a stable, world-class Condor 40 racing trimaran! And change your idea of the perfect wedding day. PA L A FOX P I E R MA R I N A · D OW N TOWN PE N S ACOL A
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850.637.SAIL (7245) • www.condorsailingadventures.com June 14, 2012
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